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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/180 day rule?
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Question
I was in boot camp (Febuary 08) when (while running on the track) I fell and injured my knee pretty bad. They didn't do anything and my knee didn't get better after 4 weeks. So they separated me (RE-3# right after I got out I went to the VA for help in figuring out what was hurt in my knee and recovery to fix it, they told me that I was not in for 180 days there for am not covered by anything dealing with military benefits and that I cannot qualify for disability because I was not in 180 days!! Its been over 2 years since my medical discharge #I have a DD-214# And I can walk now but not for a long time. I haven't been able to go to a Dr. for it because I cant get a good job with benefits because I cant stand for long periods of time, and I don't have any money to get a lawyer. Is there anything I can do about this? #they said it was based on a "previous condition". (I had orthoscopic surgery when I was 8 because I grew too fast
(witch they knew about, its in my papers), but I passed the physical to get into the Navy) Why wont the VA help me?
Kelly,
Your best hope now is to look in the phone book (or the Internet) to find your nearest chapter of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Ask to see a Service Officer. He can help you with your claim and explain the rules to see if you qualify.
Colonel H
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Answers by Expert:
MARK A. HOWELL
Expertise
All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.
Experience
Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.
Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc.,
Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member,
North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member
Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History.
Two books submitted for publication.
Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude)
Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude)
Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV
Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV
Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit
Defense MSM
MSM x 5
Joint Commendation Mdl
AF Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Mdl
Joint Achievement Mdl
AF Achievement Medal
Outstanding Volunteer Mdl
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